What's Next for Xbox Without Activision? | Opinion

As the UK's decision on Microsoft's bid to acquire Activision Blizzard has been made, the question remains: what's next for Xbox? The past year has been a long and tedious process, with both Microsoft and Sony exchanging blows in the press and through legal documents. The ordeal has been exhausting, and it's not over yet, as Microsoft is expected to appeal the decision. The bigger issue at hand is the fact that Xbox has struggled to deliver big, system-shifting blockbusters. Despite having a proven track record of launching successful games, the company has failed to produce a major exclusive title in a while. The power of the Series X console, the affordability of the Series S, and the quality of the Game Pass service are all positives, but they're not enough to make up for the lack of games. Xbox's next big hope is Starfield, a new IP from the makers of Fallout and Skyrim. The game has generated a lot of excitement, and its success could drive attention towards Microsoft's consoles and Game Pass. However, it will be competing with Sony's Spider-Man 2, which is being billed as one of PlayStation's first true next-gen games. The Activision Blizzard deal would have provided Xbox with the games it so desperately needs. The company could have acquired popular franchises like Diablo, Warcraft, and Call of Duty, which would have been a major boost to its Game Pass service. Without the deal, Microsoft will have to look elsewhere to acquire the games it needs. One option is to set its sights on smaller, more targeted acquisitions. Another option is to wait for its teams to catch up and start delivering games on a more consistent level. There are some promising games in the pipeline, including Fable, Perfect Dark, and Indiana Jones, but they are still 18 months away from release. The fear is that Microsoft will grow bored of the gaming industry and sell off its Xbox division. While the company has never given any indication that it would do so, the pressure is on to deliver successful games. Xbox has the platforms, services, and technology, but it needs to focus on producing high-quality games to remain competitive. The future of Xbox is uncertain, but one thing is clear: the company needs to deliver on its promise of big, exciting games. Without Activision Blizzard, Microsoft will have to look elsewhere to find the games it needs to succeed.